Dutch Cholecystitis Snapshot Study
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Cholecystitis, Cholecystitis; Gallstone, Cholecystitis; Choledocholithiasis. Basic parameters: 18 years — 120 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Netherlands
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Variation in Cholecystitis Treatment and Outcome in the Netherlands; a Nation-wide Cohort Study
Overview
Background: Cholecystitis is treated by in various types of hospitals by different specialists, and treatment strategy is influenced by logistical and medical reasons and personal preference. This may significantly impact hospital stay and other outcomes. Purpose: To determine the variation in treatment of cholecystitis in the Netherlands and its impact on outcome. Methods: Nation-wide cohort study of all patients diagnosed and treated for cholecystitis during a 6 month period. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients with an acute cholecystitis in which the guideline is followed. This group will be compared to those in which the guideline is not followed, focussing on total hospital stay and complications. Secondary aims are to determine: factors related to guideline compliance; the best method of cystic duct closure; the best treatment strategy for a \>7-day existing cholecystitis; factors predictive for concomitant common bile duct stones; strategies following gallbladder drainage. Multivariable analysis and propensity score matching will be used when appropriate for the etiological study aims. The TRIPOD guideline for prediction modelling will be used for the predictive study aims. Hospitals will receive their own results, set out against the national average and best practices, thereafter subsequent changes in hospital practice will be recorded. Conclusion: This study will determine the variation in treatment of cholecystitis in the Netherlands and its impact on clinical outcome. Its results will serve as an important incentive to create optimal, uniform cholecystitis treatment in the Netherlands.
Primary outcome measures
- Total hospital stay [Time frame: First six months following diagnosis]
Eligibility criteria
All patients >18 years with a calculous cholecystitis as primary reason for their hospital admittance. Location of diagnosis may the emergency department, the ward during admittance for diagnostics, or during diagnostic laparoscopy. Cholecystitis is defined according to the TG18 diagnostic criteria for a definitive diagnosis of cholecystitis: A. Local signs of inflammation (Murphy's sign and or RUQ mass/pain/tenderness) + B. Systemic signs of inflammation (Fever, elevated CRP and/or elevated WBC count) + C. Imaging findings characteristic of acute cholecystitis. Patients with a suspected diagnosis (one item in A + one item in B + C), of which the diagnosis is confirmed by peroperative findings, are also included. Patients will be identified by a local study investigator, e.g. a surgeon or surgeon in training.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Netherlands · 1 center
- Heelkunde — Nieuwegein
Publications
- van Maasakkers MHG, Weijs TJ, Goense L, van Lienden KP, van Duijvendijk P, Verdonk RC, Boerma D. Uncovering variation in cholecystitis treatment: protocol and statistical analysis plan for a nationwide observational study - the Dutch Cholecystitis Snapshot Study (Dutch CHESS). BMJ Open. 2025 May 13;15(5):e093821. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-093821. PMID 40360397
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06349863 · W23.225